Falls Merges Shade Tree Commission with EAC

Finding enough volunteers to serve on advisory committees has been challenging for Falls Township.

In response to dwindling members for the Shade Tree Commission, the Falls Supervisors, during Monday night’s meeting, unanimously adopted an ordinance amendment that rolls the commission into the Environmental Advisory Council.

“The easiest thing to do is make it part of the EAC,” Falls Supervisors Chairman Jeff Dence said. “Certain members of the Environmental Advisory Council will serve on the Shade Tree Commission.”

Vice Chairperson Erin Mullen said the EAC is “eager to take this on and are pretty excited about it.”

According to the amended ordinance, five of the seven EAC members will serve on the Shade Tree Commission, with the remaining two EAC members serving as alternates on the commission.

The Shade Tree Commission is authorized to plant, remove, maintain and protect shade trees on the public streets and highways in the township subject to approval of the Falls Supervisors. The advisory committee also has the opportunity to review and comment on land development plans submitted to the township for approval. The commission may also assist with the identification of trees afflicted with the Dutch elm or other disease which threatens to harm shade trees in Falls.